On a crisp November day back in 2012 at the Kassam Stadium, a young Henry Slade, then a sprightly 19-year-old academy graduate, made his debut for Exeter Chiefs. Little did the onlookers know that they were witnessing the first steps of a player who would ascend to become a cornerstone of both club and country. Fast forward to today, and Slade is not just a fixture in the Chiefs lineup but is lauded as one of the premier centres in global rugby.
From his early days toggling duties with Plymouth Albion to his meteoric rise, Slade’s journey has been marked by both skill and resilience. Initially catching eyes as a fly-half, his transition to outside centre heralded a new era of prowess. By the time he donned England’s white jersey alongside Sam Burgess in a World Cup warm-up, it was clear Slade was on a trajectory towards greatness. His role in leading Exeter to domestic and European titles, alongside multiple Six Nations triumphs, has firmly established him as a linchpin in arguably the greatest phase of the club’s history.
Despite the challenges, including a notable omission from the 2023 World Cup squad, Slade’s performances have remained exemplary. The 2025/26 season saw him scale new heights, finishing as the league’s top try-scorer and clinching the Man of the Match in a decisive game that secured Exeter a top-four finish for the first time in five years.
"He's played in an awful lot of big games, and what I can say is that he's consistently playing at the top of his game,"
remarked Rob Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby. Baxter highlighted that Slade’s current form mirrors the high standards he set during their double-winning season.Chiefs attack coach Dave Walder also praised Slade’s recent performances, particularly noting his defensive prowess and calmness on the ball.
"He’s travelling alright at the moment, isn’t he?"
Walder commented with a chuckle, underscoring Slade's impact in recent matches.While Slade’s international appearances have been sporadic recently, his daily demonstrations of skill at club level make a compelling case for his inclusion in the national setup. "If I was picking an England team, I’d have Henry Slade in there," Walder added, echoing the sentiments of many who witness Slade’s contributions on the field.
As the rugby season progresses, Slade remains focused on leading Exeter back to the pinnacle of English rugby. His journey from a fresh-faced debutant to a seasoned professional encapsulates not just personal triumphs but the evolution of a team and community that have rallied behind him through highs and lows. Slade is not just playing for records; he's crafting a legacy that could very well crown him as Exeter's greatest ever player.